CPT® Code 52317

Litholapaxy: crushing or fragmentation of calculus by any means in bladder and removal of fragments; simple or small (less than 2.5 cm)

Litholapaxy, as defined by CPT® Code 52317, is a medical procedure aimed at the treatment of bladder stones, specifically those that are classified as simple or small, measuring less than 2.5 cm in size. During this procedure, a scope is introduced into the bladder, allowing for direct visualization of the stone. The primary goal of litholapaxy is to effectively remove the stone by employing various means of fragmentation. This is achieved through the insertion of a crushing instrument, a mechanical disintegration probe, or a laser, which is passed through the urethra and into the bladder. The stone is systematically broken down into smaller fragments, facilitating their removal. Once the stone has been adequately fragmented, an evacuation catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to assist in the removal of the stone fragments. The bladder is then irrigated with sterile saline or another suitable solution to flush out the disintegrated stone pieces. Following the irrigation, the bladder is re-examined using the scope to confirm that all fragments have been successfully pulverized and expelled. It is important to note that for more complex cases involving larger stones exceeding 2.5 cm, CPT® Code 52318 should be utilized instead of 52317.